Orobashi

Orobashi no Mikoto (Japanese: オロバシノミコト)^[4] or Orobaxi (Chinese: 奥罗巴斯),^{[Note 1]} also referred to as the Watatsumi Omikami (Japanese: 海祇大御神),^[4] was an ancient dragon-like serpent god that was defeated by Ei at Yashiori Island. The Musoujin Gorge is the scar left by the god when she delivered a blow from her Musou no Hitotachi, slaying the serpent.

The remnants of Orobashi can be seen throughout both Inazuma and Enkanomiya, with its skull located at Serpent's Head. Its lingering power has resulted in the Tatarigami, a phenomenon on the island that causes natural disasters and can drive people on the island mad.

The residents of Watatsumi Island and their leaders, the Sangonomiya Clan, worship Orobashi, as it taught them how to farm and smelt after discovering them in the Dark Sea^[4] (referring to Enkanomiya). Therefore, the people of Watatsumi Island are very grateful towards Orobashi and worship it as their guardian deity.^[5]

Appearance[]

According to legends, Orobashi had a fluorescent body covered in myriad-colored coral.^[6]

Story[]

Early Archon War[]

Orobashi was born some time before or during the Archon War. Unable to defeat either Deus Auri^{[Note 2]} or the Narukami, and tired of "being shamed for blasphemy",^[3] Orobashi fled from Teyvat^[7][2] and eventually ended up beyond the seal that separated Enkanomiya from Teyvat.^[8]

In Enkanomiya[]

Orobashi remained confined in a cavern for untold ages, until a child of Enkanomiya who was exploring beyond the region's three corners discovered it. The child asked it to become their god, and Orobashi agreed. This ended the rule of the Sunchildren and their corrupt puppeteers as well as reduced the threat of the Bathysmal Vishaps.^[3][7][2] The ancient people of Enkanomiya co-worshipped Orobashi, the coral serpent, with Ouroboros, the scaleless imaginary serpent.^[9] Its influence led to the end of the worship of the Dainichi Mikoshi and many of the corrupt practices established by the Sunchildren regime.

Orobashi brought with its newfound rule drastic changes to Enkanomiya society, including changing from the ancient Watatsumi language to the Narukami-style language.^[10] Following a certain prophecy, it prepared the people of Enkanomiya to return to the surface and helped acclimate them to Narukami and Inazuman conventions.

However, in taking in these forgotten people and learning of their history, Orobashi came upon the book Before Sun and Moon, which recorded a history of the world that Celestia wanted concealed: One that recorded the existence of an "old world" and the Seven Sovereigns, the Sovereigns' defeat and the creation of a new world at the hands of the Heavenly Principles and its four shining shades, and the war against the Second Who Came during which Enkanomiya sank into the depths of the ocean.^[8] For this knowledge, both Orobashi and Watatsumi as a whole were found guilty of four counts of profanity and eight counts of deceiving living souls. Orobashi was allowed to take all of their transgressions on itself and sacrifice itself so its people would be spared and taken under the rule of Celestia once again.^[11]

At some point in time, presumably after reading Before Sun and Moon, Orobashi personally led experiments on the Dragonheirs of the Depths to better understand their abilities, and to breed Vishaps capable of growing Bloodbranch Coral.^[10]

Return to Teyvat and Death[]

Under the guise of guiding its people back to the surface, Orobashi broke off the coral that grew from its body—a manifestation of its power—to create Watatsumi Island so the people of Enkanomiya had a new home.^[1] There, Orobashi taught them how to farm and smelt, for which they were deeply grateful and worshipped it.^[5] It lived among its people for some time before finally meeting its end towards the end of the Archon War 2,000 years ago.^[12][13]

By that point, the Inazuman archipelagos were united under Makoto's rule, with her twin sister Ei acting as her kagemusha (body double). All those who dwelt within Inazuma were content with their lot and did not seek to take what was not theirs, lest they be eradicated by the Raiden Shogun.^[1] When the Sacred Sakura Cleansing Ritual was developed, those performing the ritual were to beg forgiveness from both the Narukami and the Watatsumi shrines before beginning the ritual,^[14] suggesting that Orobashi may have been worshipped by people from other islands for a time.

By the time of Orobashi's death, Watatsumi Island was already plagued with woes unrelated to their knowledge of forbidden history. The island was ill-suited for growing crops due to its geological structure, leading to starvation and disease. The Watatsumi people pleaded to conquer the more resource-rich Yashiori Island to make up for their own deficiencies, but Orobashi refused time and time again, knowing how the Raiden Shogun had slain the opposing gods in Inazuma over the course of the Archon War. However, between the cries of his people and the decree from Celestia, Orobashi was left with no other choice.^[7]

Orobashi built up a navy, led by the shrine maiden Mouun and her twin sister Ayame, and invaded Yashiori Island. They succeeded in conquering it, and Mouun's disciple Touzannou (later known as Akuou) was named the vassal ruler of the island.^[15] After hearing word of the attack, Ei gathered her troops and waged a brutal war against Watatsumi. The war caused great suffering and many casualties on both sides, including Ei's lieutenant Sasayuri.^[1]

Towards the end of the war, Orobashi was slain by Ei using her signature Musou no Hitotachi swordsmanship, dying with its gaze fixed upon the heavens. The killing blow created a great rift known as Musoujin Gorge that split the island in two, while Orobashi's remains were left to rest throughout the island.^[16] Touzannou was also slain by this slash,^[17] while Mouun was ambushed and slain by Sasayuri's troops as she attempted a retreat. Ayame went missing in action, with no consensus as to her ultimate fate.^[15]

Legacy[]

With Orobashi's death, its lingering power became the Tatarigami, which the Shogunate later utilized to create the Mikage Furnace.^[18] The main shrine on Watatsumi Island was subsequently abandoned, with a new shrine being built elsewhere, and the Divine Priestess took leadership over the island. While the true reason for Orobashi's death was to be kept secret, rumors still exist that Celestia ordered its death. However, the most commonly accepted theory is that Orobashi attacked Yashiori Island for its resources.^[7]

According to Sangonomiya Chronicles, a text written by Shogunate historian Kujou Michizane, the people of Sangonomiya have recognized the Inazuma Shogunate as the rightful ruler following the death of the Great Serpent. However, while recognizing the Raiden Shogun's authority, the people of Sangonomiya have continued to worship Orobashi instead of the Raiden Shogun despite its death at her hands.^[19] According to the Shogun, the people of Watatsumi were allowed to continue worshipping Orobashi so that it may continue receiving their prayers.^[20]

When the Vision Hunt Decree was enacted, the Sangonomiya Clan declared war on the Inazuma Shogunate, leading to mass skirmishes between the Watatsumi Army and the Tenryou Commission. While the Decree was the main motivator for the war, the preexisting tensions between the Shogunate and Watatsumi Island affected the actions of several members of the Watatsumi Army during the war. A radical faction within the resistance, at Nathan's suggestion, sought to revive Orobashi by destroying the Narukami Pillars on Yashiori Island.^[21] Unbeknownst to them, Nathan was a Fatui mole sent to sabotage the war effort by releasing the Tatarigami and hindering the resistance's chances at a quick victory.

Following the revelation of the Fatui conspiracy and the end of the Vision Hunt Decree, most of the Fatui withdrew from the island, save for a few who wished to get payback for Signora's death. Nonetheless, some Watatsumi residents find it hard to accept peace with the Shogunate, believing that doing so would mean that Orobashi's sacrifice was in vain.

Character Mentions[]

Character Stories

Character	Stories
Raiden Shogun	Character Details
Sangonomiya Kokomi	Character Details

Character Voice-Overs

Character	Voice-Overs
Raiden Shogun	About Sangonomiya Kokomi  Media:VO_Raiden Shogun About Sangonomiya Kokomi.ogg Media:VO ZH_Raiden Shogun About Sangonomiya Kokomi.ogg Media:VO JA_Raiden Shogun About Sangonomiya Kokomi.ogg Media:VO KO_Raiden Shogun About Sangonomiya Kokomi.ogg Indeed. It was I who slew Orobaxi. But I also allowed the people of Sangonomiya to continue worshiping it as the Watatsumi Omikami, so that it might enjoy their offerings. Now, Sangonomiya has destroyed the local Narukami Shrine and rebels against the Shogunate. As the Divine Priestess representing the Watatsumi Omikami, she must be held accountable.
Sangonomiya Kokomi	More About Sangonomiya Kokomi: II  Media:VO_Sangonomiya Kokomi More About Sangonomiya Kokomi - 02.ogg Media:VO ZH_Sangonomiya Kokomi More About Sangonomiya Kokomi - 02.ogg Media:VO JA_Sangonomiya Kokomi More About Sangonomiya Kokomi - 02.ogg Media:VO KO_Sangonomiya Kokomi More About Sangonomiya Kokomi - 02.ogg Legend has it that our ancestors lived in a palace in the depths of the ocean, and that the god, Orobashi, brought us to the surface. I've often wondered, wouldn't a palace like that be too dark? Every time I think about it, I start to really appreciate the light...
Traveler	About the Rain on Yashiori Island  Media:VO_Aether_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO ZH_Aether_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO JA_Aether_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO KO_Aether_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO_Lumine_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO ZH_Lumine_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO JA_Lumine_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg Media:VO KO_Lumine_About the Rain on Yashiori Island.ogg (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler): It never stops raining on Yashiori Island. I heard it's because of the lingering evil energy. Paimon: "Evil energy"? What's that? Sounds terrifying. (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler): It's caused by the remains of an evil god somewhere on the island. Because its power hasn't fully dispersed, the remaining energy causes all sorts of misfortunes. That's what I meant when I said "evil energy." Paimon: Oh, that makes sense. But Paimon doesn't think rain is a bad thing. Paimon: Maybe that god has been crying all this time because they were bullied. (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler): Crying? I don't think gods can cry. I mean, I've never seen Venti or Zhongli cry before. Paimon: There are exceptions! If you pinch Paimon, you'll be able to see a crying god. (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler): Hmm? Are you a god? Paimon: Paimon sure is! (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler): Okay, let me guess... The flying god of silly questions? The god of slimes? Or the god of being fished out from the water? Paimon: Paimon's none of those! Hmph! Paimon: As your bodyguard, (TravelerTravelerThe player's chosen name for the Traveler), Paimon is the god of protection! Hehe.

Trivia[]

• Orobashi is mentioned in the description of the following Furnishing:
  • Deep Sea Unagi

Etymology[]

• Following the theme of gods in Genshin Impact being named after demons in the Ars Goetia, Orobashi may be named after the demon Orobas, one of the Great Princes of Hell.
  • The Chinese version of Orobaxi, 奥罗巴斯 Àoluóbāsī, can be read as Orobas, although most Chinese translations of the demon name use 歐若博司 Ōuruòbósī.
  • Orobashi (Japanese: オロバシ), is slightly different from Orobas' Japanese name, オロバス Orobasu.
• Orobashi may also be modeled after Orochi, a legendary dragon/serpent in Japanese mythology who was slain by the storm god Susanoo.
• In the Japanese localization, the name "Orobashi no Mikoto" is written in katakana (phonetically) rather than kanji, a convention that is typically used for gods or foreign names.
  • It is likely that "no Mikoto" (Japanese: ノミコト) would be の命, a title following a noun that is used for gods, emperors, and other high-ranking persons. It translates into English as "the honorable" or "the exalted."
• Watatsumi Omikami in Japanese (Japanese: 海祇大御神) means "(Great) God of the Oceans."

Gallery[]

Story Teaser- Promise of a People's Dream - Genshin Impact

Orobashi in the TCG "Vicious Ancient Battle" Arcane Event Card

Notes[]

Other Languages[]

Change History[]

References[]